There are many aspects of the Filipino family that can be explored, such as its structure, culture, traditions & values, functions, issues even the government programs for the welfare of the Filipino family .

1. THE
FILIPINO
FAMILY
Prepared by: Gura, Jenilyn C.
• Structure
• Culture, Values & Traditions
• Function, Issues &
• Importance

2. All the information were taken from the web and from
the general perspective on the Filipino family .
Some of the Sources are :
psa.gov.ph
manulife.com.ph
researchgate.net
everything-filipino.com
jstor.or
Photos : Web
Prepared & Edited by : Gura , Jenilyn C.

3. Who is a Filipino?
❖ According to Philippinenationality law, a person can be considered as Filipino if he or she
meets one of the following criteria:
■ He or she was a citizen of the Philippines at the time of the adoption of the 1987
Constitution of the Philippines.
■ He or she was born in the Philippines of foreign parents who, before the adoption of the
1987 Constitution, had been elected to public office in the Philippines.
■ He or she has at least one parent who is a citizen of the Philippines.
■ He or she was born before January 17, 1973, of a Filipino mother, and elected Philippine
citizenship upon reaching the age of majority.
■ He or she was naturalized as a Philippine citizen in accordancewith law.
These are the legal ways to acquire Philippine citizenship by birth or by naturalization.
■ Aside from the Philippine nationality law, a Filipino can also refer to a native or inhabitant of
the Philippines, a person of Filipino descentor with Filipino blood in them.

4. What is a family?
According to the Oxford & Merriam Webster’s Dictionary , the word family can
have different meanings depending on the context .
❖ Hereare some of the basic & most commondefinition of the word Family:
■ A group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head :
HOUSEHOLD
■ The basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their
children(by birth or adoption).
■ A group of people related to one another by blood or marriage.
■ All the descendants of a common ancestor.

5. Two most known types of family
■ Nuclear family(conjugalfamily) -
it is the smallest and most basic
unit of a family. This is a family
that consists of two parents
(usually married or common law)
and their children (either
biological or adopted). They
usually live together in the same
household and share their
resources. Nuclear families are
often considered the traditional
or ideal family type.

6. ■ Extended family(consanguine
family) - This is a family that
includes not only the parents
and the children, but also other
relatives such as grandparents,
aunts, uncles, cousins, & other
blood relatives . They may or
may not live together in the
same household, but they
usually maintain close ties and
interactions. Extended families
are common in many cultures
and regions of the world,
especially in Asia, Africa, and
Latin America.

7. The Filipino Family
According to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the
State recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation
of the nation and that it strengthens the nation’s
solidarity and actively promotes its total
development.
The Filipino family is a vital and influential
institution in the Philippines. It plays a significant
role in shaping the culture, values, and identity of
the Filipino people and is considered to be the
foundation of social life for most Filipinos.
There are many aspects of the Filipino family that
can be explored, such as its structure, culture,
traditions & values, functions, issues even the
government programs for the welfare of the Filipino
family .

8. Structure
The Filipino Family Structure– one of the
most notable features of the Filipino family is
its extended structure meaning it includes
not only the nuclear family of parents and
children, but also relatives such as
grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, distant
kin and sometimes even godparents .
Godparents are not just ceremonial figures
who sponsor a child’s baptism, wedding, or
other sacraments. They are also considered
as part of the extended family and have a
duty to support, guide, and mentor their
godchildren throughout their lives. The
extended family provides support, guidance,
and assistance to each other in times of
need .

9. Notable Characteristics of the
Filipino Family
■ The Filipino family is hierarchical – meaning that there is a clear order of
authority and respect among the members. The Filipino family is traditionally
patriarchal, the father is the head of the household and has the final say in
decision-making. He is also expected to be the breadwinner and protector of
the family. However, the motheris equally vested with authority over the
children and household affairs. She is often the one who manages the
budget, educates the children, and maintains harmony among family
members. The children are expected to obey their parents and elders, and to
help with household chores and responsibilities specially the elder siblings
they usually stand as the head of the family when the parents is not around
and younger ones recognize that and respect & obey them as well. The
elders are revered and consulted for their wisdom and experience.

10. ■ The Filipino family is religious – meaning that they have a strong faith in God
and practice various rituals and traditions related to their religion. Such as
celebrating Fiesta , Christmas , get together during Holy Week, Panata ,
Ramadan & many more.
■ The Filipino family is hospitable – meaning that they are generous and
welcoming to guests and visitors. They often invite people to their homes
and offer them food, drinks, and entertainment. They also show interest and
concern for their guests’ well-being and comfort. Hospitality is a way of
expressing friendship, appreciation, and respect for others .
■ The Filipino family is resilient – meaning that they are able to cope with
difficulties and challenges with optimism and courage. They have a positive
attitude and a sense of humor that help them overcome hardships and
adversities. They also have a strong sense of community and solidarity that
enable them to help each other in times of crisis. They believe in the concept
of bahala na, which means “let go and let God”, trusting that God will
provide a way out of any problem.

11. The Filipino culture is rich in traditions, values, and customs that
have been passed down through generations.
Here are somekey aspects of Filipino family culture:
■ Bayanihan: This spirit of cooperation emphasizes helping
neighbors during difficult times, such as home construction or
moving. It reflects the strong sense of community and
eagerness to assist others.
■ Respect for Elders: Filipinos deeply respect their elders. The
“pagmamano” gesture, where a younger person takes an
elder’s hand and touches it to their forehead, is a sign of
reverence.
■ Pasayahan: A unique street celebration in the Philippines,
pasayahan involves live music, dancing, food, and
entertainment. It’s a joyful occasion where people of all ages
come together to celebrate life and community.
■ Simbang Gabi: Held in the nine days before Christmas,
Simbang Gabi consists of nine Masses. It’s a tradition dating
back to the 16th century when Spanish missionaries
introduced Catholicism to the Philippines.
Culture, tradition and values

12. Hereare some key aspects of Filipino familyvalues:
■ Paggalang (respect) : Respect is a core value that is taught from an early age in
the Filipino family. It is manifested in various ways, such as using polite
language which is "po" & "opo" as well as polite gesture such as pagmamano,
honoring elders , obeying parents and older siblings . Filipinos use specific terms
to call their siblings and relatives, this respect system also applies to people
outside the family who are older or in a higher position.For example, it is
common to hear people refer to distant relatives or non-relatives with familial
terms such as ‘tita’ (aunt), ‘tito’ (uncle), ‘lola’ (grandmother) ‘lolo’ (grandfather)
and etc.
■ Pakikisama (helping others): In its simplest sense meaning “getting along with
others” Pakikisama is a way of building rapport (good relationship) and harmony
with others.
■ Utang na loob (debt of gratitude) : It represents a deep sense of gratitude for
good deeds received, especially during times of need. The giver doesn’t
necessarily impose utang na loob, but the recipient acknowledges it. Some
Filipino families believe that children must take care of their parents out of
utang na loob.

13. ■ Pagpapahalaga sa pamilya (prioritizing family) : The Filipino family is
characterized by strong bonds of love and loyalty. Filipinos value
their family above anything else, and are willing to sacrifice their
personal interests and happiness for the sake of their family. They
work hard to provide for their family’s needs, and sometimes even
migrate abroad to earn more income.
■ Hiya (shame) : The Filipino hiya or shame trait stems from losing
amor propio which is a Spanish word, "pride“ or “dangal” . Filipinos
find it difficult to confront someone so as not to humiliate the person
or cause person to lose his amor propio. Filipinos believe they must
live up to the accepted standards of behaviour and make it a point
not to cause another person's embarrassment and specially their
own family. Hiya is a way of maintaining one’s self-respect and social
image among others as well as maintaining the good reputation of
the family.

14. Dating & Marriage
■ In the Philippines, dating often comes in stages, beginning with courtship. Typically, a man will try to
impress a female by courting her. If the woman considers the man to be a good suitor, they will continue
dating. Individuals have a significant level of freedom in terms of choosing marriage partners, although the
choice of a spouse may be influenced by the preferences of the family. In some families, it is expected for
the prospective partner to gain approval of their potential in-laws. However, in urban areas, dating and
marriage practices tend to be less conservative and are becoming more influenced by the West.
■ Expectations and practices of marriage are heavily shaped by the Catholic Church. Marriage is understood
as a milestone and it is expected that individuals will one day marry a suitable partner. Having children out
of wedlock is generally frowned upon in Filipino society. Thus, many couples will marry prior to giving birth
to their child to avoid social repercussions.
• Monogamyis the norm and divorce is both socially
stigmatizedand illegal. However, views on marriage are
changing. For example, there is now more acceptance of a
person’s choice to remain single if they wish to be so.
• Muslims though can have 1 or more wife under certain
conditions

15. Functions
■ Some of the specific functions of the Filipino family are:
■ To nurture and protect the children and the elderly. TheFilipino family is responsiblefor raising
the children with love, discipline, values, and skills that will prepare them for adulthood. The
Filipino family also respects and honors the elders, who are seen as sources of wisdom, guidance,
and blessing. The Filipino family provides for the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs
of both the young and the old.
■ To preserve and transmit the Filipino culture and identity.The Filipino family is the primary agent
of cultural transmission and socialization. It teaches the children their native language, customs,
traditions, beliefs, and history. It also instills in them a sense of pride and patriotism for their
country and their heritage. The Filipino family also celebrates various festivals, rites, and
ceremonies that reflect their diverse and rich culture.
■ To participate in social and civic activities. The Filipino family is not isolated from the larger
society. It is involved in various social and civic organizations and movements that aim to improve
the quality of life of the people and the nation. The Filipino family also cooperates with other
families and institutions in addressingcommon problems and issues. The Filipino family also
supports the governmentand its policies that promote the welfare of the family.

16. Issues
Filipino families face various challenges and issues.
Here are somecommon ones:
■ Disintegration of families: This refers to the
breakdownof family bonds and relationships due
to various factors, such as divorce, separation,
annulment, death, migration, domestic violence,
abuse, neglect, etc. Disintegration of families can
have negative effects on the emotional,
psychological, social, and economic well-being of
family members, especially children.
■ Substance abuse: This refers to the harmful or
excessiveuse of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or other
substancesthat can impair one’s health,
judgment, and behavior. Substanceabuse can lead
to addiction, dependency, withdrawal, overdose,
and death. It can also cause problems in family
relationships, work performance, education, and
social interactions.

17. Juvenile Delinquency
■ Description: Issues related to youth
behavior, discipline, and guidance.
■ Example: A teenager getting involved
in criminal activities or consistently
breaking rules at home.
Domestic Violence:
■ Description: Abuse within the family,
which can have severe emotional and
physical consequences.
■ Example: A partner physically hurting
another partner or children
witnessing violence at home.

18. ■ Parentalabsenteeism: This refers to the lack or
absence of parental presence, guidance, and
support for children due to various reasons, such
as overseas work, imprisonment, illness,
disability, etc. Parental absenteeism can affect
the development and well-being of children in
various aspects, such as academic achievement,
self-esteem, emotional stability, social skills,
moral values, etc.
■ Economicdifficulties: This refers to the lack or
insufficiency of financial resources to meet the
basic needs and wants of the family. Economic
difficulties can result from unemployment,
underemployment, low income, inflation, debt,
natural disasters, etc. Economic difficulties can
cause stress, anxiety, depression, hunger,
malnutrition, illness, and other problems for the
family.

19. ■ Early sexual involvement and teenage pregnancies:
This refers to the engagement in sexual activities and
reproduction at a young age before reaching physical
and emotional maturity. Early sexual involvement and
teenage pregnancies can expose young people to
various risks and consequences, such as sexually
transmitted infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS, abortion
complications, maternal and infant mortality and
morbidity, school dropout, stigma and discrimination.
■ Negative influence of media: This refers to the impact
of mass media (such as television, radio, internet) on
the attitudes, behaviors, and values of family
members. Negative influence of media can occur
when media content is violent, sexual, immoral,
misleading, or biased. Negative influence of media
can affect the family’s moral standards, critical
thinking, communication skills, and cultural identity.

20. ■ Absence of family goals and values: This refers to the lack or loss of a common
vision and direction for the family as well as a shared set of principles and
standards that guide the family’s actions and decisions. Absence of family goals
and values can lead to confusion, conflict, disunity, and dissatisfaction among
family members. It can also weaken the family’s identity and sense of purpose.

21. Role of Government
■ Here are the key roles, laws, and programs of the government for the Filipino
Family :
■ Article XV of the 1987 Constitution : The State recognizes the Filipino family as
the foundation of the nation. Marriage is an inviolable social institution and is
protected by the State. The State defends the rights of spouses, children, and
families to assistance, care, nutrition, income, and participation in policy
planning.
■ Republic Act No. 10354 (Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act):
The State’s duty is to protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous
social institution. It equally protects the life of both the mother and the unborn
from conception.
■ Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program(4Ps) : Provides social assistance to
extremely poor families for immediate needs. Invests in health and education for
poor children through health check-ups for pregnant women and young children.

22. Revival Questions

23. Q1
From our discussion today, which type
of family do you have and what is your
role in your family?

24. Q2
Which of the values/traditions which
we discussed today do you still follow
in your family/home?

25. Q3
State at least3 family issues and suggest a
possible to solutionto it.

26. Q4
What does the Article XV of the 1987
constitutionof the Philippines protect?

27. Q5
From your own experience
and understanding what is a
family?